Faculty Council Minutes
December 7, 2004

Present: Catalano (recorder-in-turn), Spilatro (guest; chair of Curriculum Committee), R. Walker (chair), Young, Scott, DeWine, McDaniel, Bryant.

1.    Minutes from 11/30 were approved.
2.    DeWine brought to Council’s attention a mold problem in Dawes Memorial Library.
3.    Spilatro discussed proposed changes in the Writing Intensive general education outcomes and criteria.  The change is necessary, according to     Curriculum Committee, in order to encourage more faculty-wide participation in teaching writing-designated general education courses.  The proposed “Writing Proficiency” courses place a stronger emphasis on teaching writing as a process while, at the same time, providing more flexibility and course design in the hands of the instructor.  Faculty proposing a “Writing Proficiency” course will need to demonstrate to Curriculum Committee that there is a pedagogical design in place to improve student writing.  Discussion ensued, with Council determining that the changes in outcomes and criteria are simply modifications, and do not necessitate full faculty approval.
4.    Spilatro also discussed the Curriculum Committee’s discussion concerning the suggestion that the College limit the number of online courses a student could take and count toward graduation at MC.  Spilatro conveyed that the Curriculum Committee believes that quality is a larger issue than quantity, and that training (in both pedagogy and technology) is really the key issue.  DeWine agreed to provide training for everyone who will teach an online course. Spilatro further conveyed that the Curriculum Committee will be vigilant in making sure that the Residential Campus Core Value is maintained.  Spilatro indicated that he would take the online course guidelines back to the Curriculum Committee for further review. 
5.    Bryant and Scott provided Council with an update on the work of the Early Retirement Health Benefits Committee.  They anticipate that a recommendation will be made in the near future.
6.    Council then quickly addressed a few remaining agenda items.  The spring 2005 meeting time for Faculty Council was determined (Thursdays, 12:30-2:00).  Young distributed research on mid-term grades and withdraw dates at benchmark institutions, with discussion to continue in January.  Scott discussed the need for Council to form a search committee for the new Vice-President of Advancement.  DeWine commented that the library will be bringing in 5 candidates in January for the position of director.

 Council adjourned at 6:15.